U.S. patent application number 12/318227 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for intraocular lens insertion tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to MENICON CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Masayoshi Tanaka.
Application Number | 20090171366 12/318227 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40577802 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090171366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka; Masayoshi |
July 2, 2009 |
Intraocular lens insertion tool
Abstract
An intraocular lens insertion tool with a tool body for
accommodating an intraocular lens and adapted to insert into an eye
the intraocular lens through displacement of the lens in an axial
forward direction by a plunging member, and to push out the lens
through an insertion tube section disposed at an axial distal end
of the tool body. The insertion tube section has an inclined
orifice that opens on diagonal to the center axis of the insertion
tube section. The plunger member has a sliding part that during
displacement thereof in a direction of plunging into the tool body
will slide against the tool body. A resistance graduating mechanism
is provided for gradually increasing operation resistance of the
plunger member by gradually increasing contact force on the sliding
part as the lens gradually emerges from the inclined orifice
through plunging of the plunger member into the tool body.
Inventors: |
Tanaka; Masayoshi;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
US
|
Assignee: |
MENICON CO., LTD.
Nagoya-Shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
40577802 |
Appl. No.: |
12/318227 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/1664 20130101;
A61F 2/167 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/107 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/007 20060101
A61F009/007 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2007 |
JP |
2007-341157 |
Claims
1. An intraocular lens insertion tool comprising: a tool body
having generally tubular shape for accommodating an intraocular
lens, and including an insertion tube section disposed at an distal
end section of the tool body in an axial direction; and a plunging
member inserted into the tool body from a rear in the axial
direction and moved forward for inserting into an eye the
intraocular lens such that the intraocular lens undergoes compact
deformation in association with forward displacement in the axial
direction by the plunging member and is pushed out through the
insertion tube section, wherein the insertion tube section has at a
distal end thereof an inclined orifice that opens on diagonal with
respect to an center axis of the insertion tube section, the
plunger member is furnished with a sliding part that slides against
the tool body during displacement thereof in a direction of
plunging into the tool body, and a resistance graduating mechanism
is provided for gradually increasing operation resistance of the
plunger member by gradually increasing contact force exerted on the
sliding part as the intraocular lens gradually emerges from the
inclined orifice through plunging of the plunger member into the
tool body.
2. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 1,
wherein the resistance graduating mechanism is constituted by
providing an inclined face inclined with respect to a plunging
direction of the plunger member, to at least one of the sliding
part of the plunger member, and a contact portion provided on the
tool body and adapted to slide against the sliding part during
plunging of the plunger member.
3. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 1,
wherein the resistance graduating mechanism is constituted by
providing in the tool body a contact portion adapted to slide
against the sliding part during plunging of the plunger member;
forming a deflection zone adapted to produce elastic deformation of
the plunger member in a prescribed lengthwise section of the axial
direction through pressing of the contact portion against the
sliding part; and forming in the deflection zone a cross section
variation portion of gradually increasing cross sectional area of
the plunger member in a plunging direction of the plunger
member.
4. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 1,
wherein the insertion tube section is formed by a
light-transmissive component; and a visible marker line extending
in a circumferential direction of the insertion tube section is
formed at a prescribed location axially to a rear of the inclined
orifice in the insertion tube section.
5. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 1,
wherein the intraocular lens is provided with a pair of haptics
that extend to either side; and the haptics are set facing in the
axial direction of the tool body, with the haptic situated to the
rear in the axial direction being adapted to be positioned in a
notch that is disposed at a distal end section of the plunger
member.
6. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 1,
wherein the tool body has a resting portion disposed in
communication with a basal end of the insertion tube section, the
resting portion is provided with a resting face on which the
intraocular lens rests and an opening that opens to an outside of
the tool body; and the tool body is furnished with a cover body
disposed covering the opening, with the plunger member pushed
towards the resting face by the cover body.
7. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 6,
wherein a pair of guide projecting parts extending in the axial
direction are formed on a bottom face at an axial front of the
resting face in the tool body, and the plunger member is guided
between the guide projecting parts.
8. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 1,
wherein a step adapted to contact the plunger member inside a
plunging zone of the plunger member is provided in the tool
body.
9. The intraocular lens insertion tool according to claim 1,
wherein through-holes are formed in the resting face on which the
intraocular lens rests, a support member defined as a separate part
from the tool body is attached to the resting face from an outside,
and an outside peripheral support portion for supporting an outside
peripheral portion of the intraocular lens is constituted by
passing support portions formed on the support member through the
through-holes so as to project out above the resting face; and
catch hooks adapted to catch on the resting face and prevent the
support portions from dislodging from the resting face and to
maintain the support portions in a state projecting out from the
resting face are formed on the support portions.
Description
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
[0001] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2007-341157 filed on Dec. 28, 2007 including the specification,
drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an intraocular lens
insertion tool used to insert an intraocular lens into the eye.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] One method employed in the past in the field of cataract
surgery involves extracting the intracapsular crystalline lens
through a surgical incision made in ocular tissue such as the
cornea (sclera) or anterior capsule section of the crystalline
lens, and once the crystalline lens has been removed, inserting an
intraocular lens serving as a replacement for the crystalline lens
back through the incision and positioning it within the
capsule.
[0006] Particularly in recent years, methods that employ an
intraocular lens insertion tool like that disclosed in Japanese
Patent No. 3412103 or Japanese Patent No. 3420724 have come into
widespread use. Typically, the intraocular lens will be inserted
into the eye by first inserting the distal orifice of an insertion
tube provided at the distal end section of the body of the tool
through a surgical incision, then pushing the intraocular lens
(which has been maintained in a state of compact deformation inside
the body of the tool) out through the distal orifice of the
insertion tube. By employing such an insertion tool, the
intraocular lens can be inserted into the eye without expanding the
surgical incision that was made for the purpose of extracting the
crystalline lens, thereby reducing the labor entailed in the
surgical operation, as well as reducing the risk of post-surgical
astigmatism or infection.
[0007] One requirement of an intraocular lens insertion tool of
this type is excellent ease of control so that the surgeon will be
able to consistently perform delicate operations with high
precision during a surgical operation. This ease of control refers
to the ability of the surgeon to carry out the lens ocular
insertion procedure in the intended fashion, and requires that the
intraocular lens be pushed and inserted into the eye at the
intended location, in the intended condition and at the intended
speed.
[0008] To meet this need, there has been proposed, for example in
Japanese examined Patent Publication No. JP-B-07-079826, an
insertion tool furnished in the interior of the insertion tool with
a first stage drive mechanism adapted to push and advance the
intraocular lens at high speed to a location slightly prior to that
at which the lens is pushed out from the insertion tool, and a
second stage drive mechanism adapted to subsequently push and
advance the intraocular lens at low speed. According to this
insertion tool, the overall procedure time of the plunging step can
be reduced by advancing the intraocular lens at high speed by the
first stage drive mechanism, while at the same time ensuring
careful insertion into the eye by advancing the intraocular lens at
low speed by the second stage drive mechanism when the intraocular
lens is pushed out from the insertion tool.
[0009] However, an insertion tool like that disclosed in
JP-B-07-079826 is merely a design adapted to increase the plunging
speed of the plunger member in the approach zone, as such, it
affords no particular advantages in relation to the lens insertion
procedure per se. This insertion tool is not capable of permitting
the surgeon to carry out the lens ocular insertion procedure in the
intended fashion. Specifically, it is necessary for the surgeon to
insert the lens into the eye at his or her own chosen speed, making
it undesirable for a sudden change in perceived speed of pushing of
the lens to occur at a moment just prior to pushing out the lens.
That is, in order enable the surgeon to carry out the lens ocular
insertion procedure in the intended fashion, it will be desirable
for the surgeon, working with a constant level of pressing force,
to be able to move the plunger member at constant speed up to the
end and to insert the intraocular lens into the eye at constant
speed.
[0010] If insertion tools of conventional design are examined from
this standpoint, a satisfactory insertion tool has yet to be
encountered.
[0011] As mentioned previously, the intraocular lens is made of
elastic material so as to allow the surgical incision to be smaller
during insertion, and will be inserted into the eye while held in a
compacted (e.g. a folded or rolled) state within the insertion tube
section of the insertion tool. For this reason, when the
intraocular lens is pushed out from the distal end orifice of the
insertion tube section within the eye, the intraocular lens will
exhibit recovery so as to expand based on its inherent elasticity
in the course of being pushed out partially from the distal end
orifice. As result of this recovery force acting on the distal end
orifice, the reaction force produced thereby will act in a
direction causing the lens to be ejected from the insertion tube
section.
[0012] For this reason, despite the fact that the surgeon operates
the plunger member with a constant level of force, as result of the
ejecting action produced by the elasticity of the intraocular lens
per se, resistance against pushing of the plunger member will
decrease gradually, owing to additive action of elastic recovery
force and a reduction in sliding resistance of the intraocular lens
with respect to the insertion tube. As a result, the intraocular
lens may become pushed out at high speed before the surgeon
realizes it, with a risk that the lens will ultimately pop out into
the eye. This will make it difficult for the surgeon to accomplish
insertion in the intended fashion, and poses a significant problem
in terms of the surgeon being able to accomplish the insertion
procedure in the intended fashion.
[0013] Even where the insertion tool, like that disclosed in
JP-B-07-079826, has been designed to shift the plunging speed to
low speed at a stage prior to traveling the prescribed distance,
insofar as a plunging operation at constant force at a prescribed
stroke is employed, the problem of a tendency for the intraocular
lens to experience decreasing resistance at an accelerating rate as
it is pushed out from the distal end orifice so that the
intraocular lens flies out before the surgeon realizes it, will
remain unchanged.
[0014] To address this problem, as with the insertion tool
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,329 for example, the idea has been
entertained to incorporate a coil spring and to gradually vary the
operating force of the plunger member. However, with the insertion
tool disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,329, there will be an
unavoidable increase in the number of parts and the number of
assembly steps; and more than anything else the need for space for
installation of the coil spring will make the insertion tool larger
in scale and increase its weight, resulting in problems such as
diminished control. Practical utility will be poor as a result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is therefore one object of this invention to provide an
intraocular lens insertion tool of novel design having a simple
design and adapted to push the intraocular lens at generally
unchanging speed through the entire plunging step.
[0016] The modes of the present invention addressed to solving the
aforementioned objects will be discussed below. The constituent
elements employed in each mode may be employed in any possible
combination.
[0017] A first mode of the present invention provides a tool body
having generally tubular shape for accommodating an intraocular
lens, and including an insertion tube section disposed at an distal
end section of the tool body in an axial direction; and a plunging
member inserted into the tool body from a rear in the axial
direction and moved forward for inserting into an eye the
intraocular lens such that the intraocular lens undergoes compact
deformation in association with forward displacement in the axial
direction by the plunging member and is pushed out through the
insertion tube section, wherein the insertion tube section has at a
distal end thereof an inclined orifice that opens on diagonal with
respect to an center axis of the insertion tube section, the
plunger member is furnished with a sliding part that slides against
the tool body during displacement thereof in a direction of
plunging into the tool body, and a resistance graduating mechanism
is provided for gradually increasing operation resistance of the
plunger member by gradually increasing contact force exerted on the
sliding part as the intraocular lens gradually emerges from the
inclined orifice through plunging of the plunger member into the
tool body.
[0018] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, the intraocular lens can be pushed at
generally unchanging speed throughout the entire intraocular lens
plunging process. Specifically, according to the present mode,
because the distal end orifice of the insertion tube section is
defined as an inclined orifice which is inclined, the intraocular
lens will gradually emerge through the inclined orifice in
association with increasing plunging distance of the plunger
member. It will therefore be possible to prevent the intraocular
lens from experiencing a sudden release of ejecting action due to
its elasticity, causing the intraocular lens to pop out from the
distal end orifice, such as can occur with a distal end orifice of
simple circular shape produced by cutting perpendicular to the
center axis of the insertion tube section.
[0019] Here, as the intraocular lens gradually emerges through the
inclined orifice, the ejecting action will gradually increase owing
to additive action of inherent elastic recovery force of the lens
and a reduction in sliding resistance with respect to the insertion
tube section. However, in the insertion tool constructed in
accordance with the present mode, due to the provision of a
resistance graduating mechanism adapted to gradually increase the
contact force exerted on a sliding part that has been provided to
the plunger member, the operating resistance of the plunger member
will gradually increase as the intraocular lens emerges so that the
ejecting action exerted by the plunger member can be gradually
reduced. It will be possible thereby to avoid a situation in which
accelerating ejection action is exerted on the intraocular lens
before the surgeon realizes it, and to push the intraocular lens
along at generally constant speed through the entire plunging
process. In other words, using the resistance graduating mechanism,
it will be possible to compensate for the gradual reduction of
operating resistance of the plunger member in association with the
intraocular lens emerging through the inclined orifice. Through use
of the inclined orifice and the resistance graduating mechanism in
combination, it will be to present the surgeon with a generally
constant level of operating resistance throughout the entire
plunging process. The surgeon will then be able to move the plunger
member at constant speed to completion through the action of
constant plunging force, making it possible as a result to insert
the intraocular lens at constant speed.
[0020] Furthermore, in the insertion tool constructed in accordance
with the present mode, it is possible to achieve the resistance
graduating mechanism through a simple design, namely, that of
gradually increasing contact force on the sliding part provided to
the plunger member. As there will be no need to incorporate special
components such as a coil spring of the insertion tool disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,329 discussed earlier for example, the
insertion tool can have a more compact and lightweight design,
improving its ease of handling and control.
[0021] A second mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to the first mode,
wherein the resistance graduating mechanism is constituted by
providing an inclined face inclined with respect to a plunging
direction of the plunger member, to at least one of the sliding
part of the plunger member, and a contact portion provided on the
tool body and adapted to slide against the sliding part during
plunging of the plunger member.
[0022] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, as the height of the inclined face gradually
increases the level of deformation of the contact portion and/or
sliding part positioned in contact against the inclined face will
increase gradually as well. An increase in elastic force produced
by this deformation, and hence an increase in the magnitude of the
contact load exerted as reaction force on the sliding part via the
inclined face will result. Here, since the operating resistance of
the plunger member is contact resistance, frictional force will not
change; only normal force will change. As a result, the operating
resistance of the plunger member will gradually increase. By so
doing, the resistance graduating mechanism can be implemented with
a simple design, with no need for any additional parts.
[0023] At the same time, by utilizing elastic deformation of the
sliding part and/or the contact portion, elastic force can be made
gradually larger in association with increasing plunging distance
of the plunger member, so that the contact load exerted across the
tool body and the plunger member can be increased smoothly, and
operating resistance can be varied smoothly. Moreover, through
adjustment of the shape of inclined face and of the sliding part
and/or the contact portion disposed in contact against the inclined
face, operating resistance of the plunger member can be adjusted
precisely.
[0024] A third mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to the first or second
mode, wherein the resistance graduating mechanism is constituted by
providing in the tool body a contact portion adapted to slide
against the sliding part during plunging of the plunger member;
forming a deflection zone adapted to produce elastic deformation of
the plunger member in a prescribed lengthwise section of the axial
direction through pressing of the contact portion against the
sliding part; and forming in the deflection zone a cross section
variation portion of gradually increasing cross sectional area of
the plunger member in the plunging direction of the plunger
member.
[0025] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, in association with increasing cross sectional
area of the plunger member in the deflection zone, perpendicular
reaction force on the deflection zone (which acts as reaction force
of deflection of the plunger member) will gradually change, and
hence frictional resistance of the contact portion will gradually
increase. As a result, contact force exerted on the sliding part
will gradually become larger, and operating resistance of the
plunger member will gradually increase. By so doing, the deflection
reaction force of the plunger member itself can be utilized
advantageously to achieve a resistance graduating mechanism of
simple design. At the same time, the advantageous utilization of
deflection of the plunger member, frictional resistance can be
increased smoothly in association with increasing plunging distance
of the plunger member, and operating resistance can be varied
smoothly.
[0026] A fourth mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to any of the first to
third modes, wherein the insertion tube section is formed by a
light-transmissive component; and a visible marker line extending
in a circumferential direction of the insertion tube section is
formed at a prescribed location axially to a rear of the inclined
orifice in the insertion tube section.
[0027] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, the marker line can be used as an air bleed
hole during pushing of the intraocular lens. With this arrangement,
pushing of the intraocular lens can be carried out more smoothly.
Furthermore, since the insertion tube section is made of a
light-transmissive component and the marker line is visible from
the outside, by forming the marker line at an appropriate location
it will be possible to use the line as a mark during the insertion
procedure. For example, by way of the prescribed location at which
to form the marker line, by forming the marker line at a location
that, with the insertion tube section inserted into the surgical
incision, will be aligned with the surgical incision, it can be
used as a mark to indicate the location of insertion into the
surgical incision. The marker line in the present mode may be used
concomitantly as an indicator mark for both an air bleed hole and
the insertion location, or for one or the other of these. It would
also be possible to form a plurality of marker lines.
[0028] A fifth mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to any of the first to
fourth modes wherein the intraocular lens is provided with a pair
of haptics that extend to either side; and these haptics are set
facing in axial direction of the tool body, with the haptic
situated to the rear in the axial direction being adapted to be
positioned in a notch that is disposed at the distal end section of
the plunger member.
[0029] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, by positioning a haptic situated on the
plunger member side in a notch made in the plunger member, it will
be possible for the haptic to escape from between the plunger
member and the body of the intraocular lens, making it possible for
the body of the intraocular lens and the plunger member to face one
another directly. Since the plunger member can thus be disposed in
direct contact with the body of the intraocular lens when plunging
is initiated, it will be possible to avoid entanglement of the
haptic, so that plunging can be carried out more consistently.
[0030] A sixth mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to any of the first to
fifth modes, wherein the tool body is furnished with a resting
portion disposed in communication with the basal end of the
insertion tube section; a resting face on which the intraocular
lens rests and an opening that opens to the outside of the tool
body are formed in the resting portion; and the tool body is
furnished with a cover body disposed covering the opening, with the
plunger member pushed towards the resting face by the cover
body.
[0031] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, by pushing the plunger member with the cover
body, unwanted deformation (particularly unwanted uplift from the
resting face) of the plunger member can be effectively inhibited,
and a more stable plunging operation can be carried out.
[0032] A seventh mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to the sixth mode,
wherein a pair of guide projecting parts extending in the axial
direction are formed on the bottom face at an axial front of the
resting face in the tool body, and the plunger member is guided
between these guide projecting parts.
[0033] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, because the plunger member can be guided in
the axial direction of the tool body while positioned between the
guide projecting parts, unwanted deformation (particularly unwanted
displacement in the axis-perpendicular direction of the resting
face) of the plunger member can be effectively inhibited, and a
more stable plunging operation can be carried out.
[0034] An eighth mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to any of the first to
seventh modes, wherein a step adapted to contact the plunger member
inside a plunging zone of the plunger member is provided in the
tool body.
[0035] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, due to the plunger member coming into contact
against the step, a restraining sensation can be imparted to the
surgeon during the plunging operation. This restraining sensation
will enable the surgeon to ascertain the current location of the
intraocular lens, and will prompt attention to the operation at
hand, calling attention to the fact that inter alia that careful
operation will be necessary from the point in time that the
restraining sensation is perceived. A plurality of steps may be
formed in the plunging zone of the plunger member.
[0036] A ninth mode of the present invention provides an
intraocular lens insertion tool according to any of the first to
eighth modes, wherein through-holes are formed in the resting face
on which the intraocular lens rests, a support member defined as a
separate part from the tool body is attached to the resting face
from the outside, and an outside peripheral support portion for
supporting the outside peripheral portion of the intraocular lens
is constituted by passing support portions formed on the support
member through the through-holes so as to project out above the
resting face; and catch hooks adapted to catch on the resting face
and prevent the support portions from dislodging from the resting
face and to maintain the support portions in a state projecting out
from the resting face are formed on the support portions.
[0037] In the intraocular lens insertion tool constructed according
to the present mode, by providing support to the outside peripheral
section of the intraocular lens, the intraocular lens can be
supported in a noncontact state with respect to its center section,
which can affect the optical characteristics. The risk of possible
damage to the center section of the intraocular lens can be reduced
thereby. Moreover, when the intraocular lens is disposed resting on
the resting face, the intraocular lens can be positioned resting on
the resting face by a simple operation, namely, of removing the
support member so that the outside peripheral support portions
projecting up from the resting face retract below the resting face,
allowing the surgeon to easily set up the intraocular lens.
[0038] Furthermore, in the present mode, by means of the catch
hooks it is possible to consistently maintain a state in which the
support portions project out from the resting face, in other words,
a state in which the support member is attached to the tool body.
In the present mode in particular, because catch hooks have been
formed on the support portions, the support portions can directly
engage the resting face, making it possible to reduce chattering by
the support portion, and improving the positional stability of
intraocular lens in the retained state. Further, by forming catch
hooks on the support portions, a locking mechanism for attaching
the support member to the tool body can be achieved with
exceptional space efficiency and production efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The foregoing and/or other objects features and advantages
of the invention will become more apparent from the following
description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate
like elements and wherein:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a top plane view of an intraocular lens insertion
tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the intraocular lens
insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a top plane view of a tool body of the intraocular
lens insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the tool body of FIG.
3;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the tool body of FIG.
3;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the tool body of FIG.
3;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary enlarged top plane view of the tool
body of FIG. 3;
[0047] FIG. 8 is an top plane view of a support member of the
intraocular lens insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the support member of
FIG. 8;
[0049] FIG. 10 is a top plane view of an insertion tube section of
the intraocular lens insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0050] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the insertion tube
section of FIG. 10;
[0051] FIG. 12 is a top plane view of a plunger of the intraocular
lens insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0052] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the plunger of FIG.
12;
[0053] FIG. 14 is an enlarged top plane view of a principle part of
the intraocular lens insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0054] FIG. 15 is an view for explaining a way of operation of the
intraocular lens insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0055] FIG. 16 is an axial cross sectional view of the intraocular
lens insertion tool of FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 17 is a fragmental top plane view of the intraocular
lens insertion tool of FIG. 1 for showing projecting end position
of the plunger;
[0057] FIG. 18 is a top plane view of a plunger of the intraocular
lens insertion tool according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0058] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the plunger of the
intraocular lens insertion tool of FIG. 18; and
[0059] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the intraocular lens
insertion tool according to the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] First, an intraocular lens insertion tool 10 according to a
first embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1
and 2. The insertion tool 10 is adapted to accommodate an
intraocular lens 14 in the interior of a tool body 12 having
generally tubular shape perforated in its interior throughout its
entire length and open at the front and back ends, into which
inserts a plunger 16 serving as a plunger member. Herein, `front`
refers to the plunging direction of the plunger 16 (leftward in
FIG. 1), and `upward` refers to the upward direction in FIG. 2.
`Left-right direction` refers to the left-right direction of the
insertion tool 10 in rear view (in FIG. 1, the upward direction is
right and the downward direction is left).
[0061] To describe in greater detail, as depicted in FIGS. 3 to 6,
the tool body 12 has a main tubular section 18 of generally tubular
shape. A through-bore 20 is formed in the interior of the main
tubular section 18 and with generally oblong cross section passes
therethrough in the axial direction. A plate-like portion 22 that
extends on the perpendicular to the direction of extension of the
main tubular section 18 is integrally formed at a location somewhat
to the front of the back end of the main tubular section 18.
[0062] A stage 24 is provided as a resting portion at the front of
the main tubular section 18 in the tool body 12. FIG. 7 depicts the
stage 24. In the stage 24 there is formed a recessed slot 28 of
width dimension slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the
main body 26 of the intraocular lens 14 and extending in the axial
direction. The recessed slot 28 has lengthwise dimension in the
axial direction that is somewhat larger than the maximum width
dimension (dimension in the left-right direction in FIG. 1) of the
intraocular lens 14 inclusive of haptics 30, 30 that extend to
either side thereof.
[0063] Here, the recessed slot 28 has an opening 29 that opens
upward, and a resting face 32 that is formed on its base face. The
resting face 32 is defined by a flat face having width dimension
slightly larger than the minimum width dimension (dimension in the
vertical direction in FIG. 1) of the intraocular lens 14, and
lengthwise dimension in the axial direction that is larger than the
maximum width dimension (dimension in the left-right direction in
FIG. 1) of the intraocular lens 14. The heightwise position of the
resting face 32 is such that it is situated above the heightwise
position of the base face of the through-bore 20 in the main
tubular section 18; a lower wall part 34 (see FIG. 4) is formed at
the front edge part of the through-bore 20 in the main tubular
section 18 and extends upward from the base face of the
through-bore 20 to connect with the back edge part of the resting
face 32. By so doing the recessed slot 28 will communicate with the
through-bore 20, and the width dimension of the recessed slot 28
will be approximately equal to the width dimension of the
through-bore 20. An upper wall part 35, provided as a contact
portion that extends forward and downward on the diagonal from the
upper face of the through-bore 20, is formed above the front edge
of the through-bore 20. Downward projecting walls 37, 37 are formed
projecting downward from the widthwise side edges of the resting
face 32.
[0064] To the side of the recessed slot 28 (in the present
embodiment, the right side), a cover part 36 provided as the cover
body is integrally formed with the tool body 12. The cover part 36
is formed with an axial direction dimension approximately equal to
the axial direction dimension of the recessed slot 28, and with a
width dimension somewhat larger than the width dimension of the
recessed slot 28. The cover part 36 is linked to the tool body 12
by a linking part 38 of generally thin plate shape formed by
extending the upper edge of the stage 24 to the side (in the
present embodiment, the right side). The linking part 38 is
thinnest in a bending part 40 that extends through its
approximately widthwise center section in the axial direction of
the tool body 12, and is adapted to bend in this bending part 40.
The cover part 36 can thereby be superposed over the recessed slot
28 by bending the linking part 38, so as to cover the opening
29.
[0065] On an opposed face 42 (the face positioned in opposition to
the resting face 32) of the cover part 36 there are integrally
formed a pair of left and right guide plate parts 44a, 44b provided
by way of a pair of guide projections extending in the axial
direction of the tool body 12. These left and right guide plate
parts 44a, 44b are formed along the entire axial extension of the
cover part 36, with the distance between their opposing faces being
somewhat smaller than the width dimension of the recessed slot 28.
The outside peripheral edge of the opposed face 42 is slightly
thicker about the entire periphery, and the left and right guide
plate parts 44a, 44b project out beyond the outside peripheral edge
of the opposed face 42.
[0066] A center guide plate part 46 provided as a guide projection
that extends parallel with the left and right guide plate parts
44a, 44b in the axial direction of the tool body 12 is integrally
formed on the opposed face 42, at the approximate center location
between the opposing faces of the left and right guide plate parts
44a, 44b. The center guide plate part 46 has a heightwise dimension
such that it projects slightly out from the thick outside
peripheral edge of the opposed face 42, and is integrally formed so
as to extend from the outside peripheral edge along the entire
length of the opposed face 42 in the axial direction. A pair of
guide projections 48, 48 are formed to either side of the center
guide plate part 46 in the zone of connection of the outside
peripheral edge of the opposed face 42 with the axial rear edge of
the center guide plate part 46. The guide projections 48 have
generally triangular cross section and are integrally formed so as
to project up from the outside peripheral edge of the opposed face
42, the projecting dimension thereof being approximately equal to
the projecting dimension of the left and right guide plate parts
44a, 44b.
[0067] Additionally, a catch piece 50 is formed on the cover part
36 on the edge lying opposite from the linking part 38. An
outwardly projecting projecting edge part 52 is formed on the stage
24 on the edge thereof lying opposite from the cover part 36; and a
catch notch 54 is formed in the projecting edge part 52 at a
location corresponding to this catch piece 50.
[0068] A support member 56 is detachably disposed below the resting
face 32 of the stage 24 having the above construction. As depicted
in FIGS. 8 and 9, the support member 56 is constituted as a
separate member from the tool body 12, and is constructed of a pair
of side wall parts 58, 58 linked by a linking plate part 60 between
their opposing faces. Here, the distance separating the outside
faces of the side wall parts 58 will be approximately equal to the
diameter dimension of the main body 26 of the intraocular lens 14.
A leg plate part 62 that projects out and flares outwardly is
integrally formed on the lower edge of each of the side wall parts
58. The leg plate part 62 has a slightly recessed contour in the
center section in the axial direction in top view.
[0069] At the upper edge part of each of the side wall parts 58, 58
there is integrally formed a first support part 64 provided as a
support portion that projects upward in generally arcuate contour
in top view. In the outside section of the upper end face of each
first support part 64, a projecting peripheral wall 66 is
integrally formed towards the inward side of the support member 56.
Here, the distance separating the peripheral walls 66 will be
slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the main body 26 of
the intraocular lens 14.
[0070] A pair of second support parts 68, 68 provided as support
portions that project upwardly with oblong shape in top view are
integrally formed at both axial ends of the linking plate part 60.
Here, the heightwise location of the upper end faces of the second
support parts 68 are equivalent to the heightwise location of the
upper end faces of the first support parts 64. Additionally, on the
upper face of each second support part 68, towards the outside of
the support member 56, there is integrally formed a peripheral wall
70 that projects upward along the entire width of the second
support part 68; the distance separating the peripheral walls 70
will be slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the main
body 26 of the intraocular lens 14. Also, a catch hook 72 that
projects slightly outward is formed along the entire width of the
second support part 68 at its upper edge.
[0071] The support member 56 having the above construction is
adapted for attachment from below the resting face 32 of the tool
body 12. Specifically, through-holes 74 formed in the resting face
32 of the tool body 12 pass through it in the thickness direction.
The through-holes 74 have shape similar to but slightly larger than
that of the first support parts 64 and the second support parts 68
in top view. The first support parts 64 and the second support
parts 68 of the support member 56 will be passed through the
through-holes 74 from the lower side of the resting face 32 so as
to project above the resting face 32. By so doing, the catch hooks
72 provided to the second support parts 68 will project above the
resting face 32 and become engaged with the upper face of the
resting face 32, thereby preventing the first support parts 64 and
the second support parts 68 from becoming detached, and holding the
support member 56 in a state of attachment from the outside of the
tool body 12 with the first support parts 64 and the second support
parts 68 projecting above the resting face 32. In the present
embodiment, the catch hooks 72 are included in the locking
mechanism that locks the support member 56 to the tool body 12.
[0072] Additionally, a nozzle part 76 provided as an insertion tube
section is integrally formed at the axial distal end of the tool
body 12, to the front of the stage 24. The nozzle part 76 is
depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. The nozzle part 76 as a whole has
outside contours that gradually narrow from the basal end (towards
the stage 24) towards the distal end in the direction of its
extension, and has a bore 78 that passes through its entire length
in the direction of its extension.
[0073] The bore 78 communicates with the stage 24 through
connection of a basal end orifice 80 that opens towards the stage
24 to the resting face 32. The basal end orifice 80 as a whole has
a flattened, generally elliptical cross section with a base face 82
defined by a flat face, and an upper face with a generally arcuate
contour. Here, a guide part 84 formed by the base face 82
connecting steplessly to the resting face 32 is formed in the bore
78. The guide part 84 has a flattened, generally elliptical cross
section, and extends in the axial direction of the tool body 12
with generally unchanging width dimension and height dimension from
the basal end orifice 80.
[0074] Also formed in the bore 78 is a constricted-diameter part 86
that communicates with the guide part 84 to the front of the guide
part 84, and that has gradually decreasing cross sectional area.
The constricted-diameter part 86 decreases in cross sectional area
towards its distal end owing to decreasing width dimension of the
base face 82 and the upper face. On the base face 82 of the back
end section of the constricted-diameter part 86 there is formed an
inclined face 88 that inclines gradually upward towards the front
in the axial direction, and this inclined face 88 provides a step
on the base face 82 of the bore 78. The upper face of the bore 78
is defined over its entire length in the axial direction by a
stepless flat face, and the heightwise position of the upper face
of the bore 78 is generally unchanging along its entire length in
the axial direction.
[0075] Additionally, a pair of guide projecting parts 90 that
extend in the axial direction of the tool body 12 with the
widthwise center section of the base face 82 between them is formed
on the base face 82 of the guide part 84 and the
constricted-diameter part 86. The guide projecting parts 90 have
linear contours that project slightly up from the base face 82 and
extend parallel to one another, with axial length dimension such
that their front edge part in the axial direction will be
positioned at a location equivalent to the frontside edge of the
inclined face 88, and their back edges in the axial direction will
project slightly rearward in the axial direction from the basal end
orifice 80. Here, by making the axial front edge section of the
guide projecting parts 90 formed on the inclined face 88 slightly
higher towards the front of the inclined face 88 in the axial
direction, at the front edge of the inclined face 88 in the axial
direction, they will have a heightwise position equivalent to the
inclined face 88.
[0076] Furthermore, in preferred practice the guide projecting
parts 90 will be arranged approximately parallel a prescribed
distance apart from one another in the axis-perpendicular direction
of the tool body 12 with the widthwise center of the base face 82
between them. The distance separating the guide projecting parts 90
will be slightly larger than the width dimension of the distal end
part of the plunger member. In the present embodiment in
particular, they are slightly larger than the width dimension of a
rod-like part 100 of the plunger 16, described later.
[0077] In the nozzle part 76 to the front of the
constricted-diameter part 86 in the axial direction, there is
formed a distal end part 92 that extends in a straight path with
generally unchanging cross sectional area. An inclined orifice 94
is formed at the distal edge of this distal end part 92. A recessed
line 96, provided as a marker line, is formed at a prescribed
location on the inside peripheral face of the distal end part 92,
axially rearward from the inclined orifice 94. The recessed line 96
is defined by a slot that extends continuously around the entire
circumference of the inside peripheral face of the distal end part
92 and that opens towards the inside of the distal end part 92. The
recessed line 96 has diagonal contours in side view such that its
upper section is formed to the front of its lower section, and in
top view its upper section and lower section respectively extend in
the axis-perpendicular direction of the distal end part 92. In the
present embodiment in particular, the recessed line 96 will be
formed with its upper section at a location 6 mm to the rear in the
axial direction from the inclined orifice 94. The tool body 12 in
the present embodiment is made from a component that is
light-transmissive, and the recessed line 96 that has been formed
on the inside peripheral face of the distal end part 92 will be
visible from the outside. The inclined orifice 94 that has been
formed at the axial distal edge of the nozzle part 76 is defined by
an inclined orifice whose upper face extends further forward than
the lower face, and that in side view is inclined with respect to
the center axis: L of the nozzle part 76. In particular, in the
present embodiment, as mentioned earlier, the tool body 12
inclusive of the nozzle part 76 and the main tubular section 18 is
an integrally formed part; in addition to employing synthetic resin
material having high transmittance of visible light as the material
for making it, the peripheral wall of the nozzle part 76 and the
stage 24 of the main tubular section 18 will be fashioned with
sufficient thinness such that at least the outside contours of the
intraocular lens 14 accommodated in the interior of the tool body
12 will be visible visually from the outside of the tool body 12.
Accordingly, for the peripheral wall of the nozzle part 76 and the
stage 24 of the main tubular section 18 in particular, it will be
preferable to employ a resin-forming mold in which the mold faces
for forming these sections have been designed with high precision
approaching a mirror finish, so as to improve visibility of the
intraocular lens 14 from the outside.
[0078] The specific structure of the recessed line 96 is not
limited provided that it is visible from the outside. For example,
in place of the recessed line 96, a raised line composed of a rib
projecting out slightly from the inside peripheral face of the
distal end part 92 could be used; or in place of the recessed line
96, a step could be produced by reducing thickness to the distal
end side of the location in question. The recessed line 96 or
raised line, step, or the like could also be formed on the outside
peripheral face of the distal end part 92. Where formed on the
outside peripheral face of the distal end part 92, a line colored
through printing or other means could be provided in place of a
raised line. Additionally, there is no need for the recessed line
96 or for the raised line, step, printed line etc. to form a
continuous ring about the entire circumference of the nozzle part
76, and they may be formed over only portions of the circumference.
Of course, it is not necessary for the line to be inclined with
respect to the center axis, as it is in the present embodiment.
[0079] According to the present embodiment, the distal end part 92
is made of resin material having visible light transmittance, and
thus the intraocular lens 14 being pushed along inside the nozzle
part 76 will be visible from the outside; as noted, since the
recessed line 96 is inclined with respect to the center axis in
side view, during this process the recessed line 96 will
approximately conform to the visible outline of the distal end part
of the intraocular lens 14, which assumes a curled state as it is
pushed through the interior of the nozzle part 76. For this reason,
in relation to the location of the intraocular lens 14 as being
pushed through the interior of the nozzle part 76, it will be
possible to more easily discern when the location has reached one
coincident with the recessed line 96.
[0080] The tool body 12 in the present embodiment described above
is constituted as a single member integrally formed by the main
tubular section 18, the stage 24, the cover part 36, and the nozzle
part 76. The support member 56, which is constituted as a separate
member from the tool body 12, is attached from below to the resting
face 32. As mentioned above, the tool body 12 is a
light-transmissive member, and even with the opening 29 of the
stage 24 covered by the cover part 36, the intraocular lens 14
accommodated within the tool body 12 will be visible through the
cover part 36.
[0081] The plunger 16 which is provided as the plunger member is
inserted into the through-bore 20 from the back of the tool body 12
having the above structure. The plunger 16 is depicted in FIGS. 12
and 13. The plunger 16 is of generally rod shape having axial
length dimension somewhat larger than the axial length dimension of
the tool body 12; and includes an integrally formed working part 97
of generally circular rod shape and a pass-through part 98 of
generally oblong rod shape.
[0082] The working part 97 includes a rod-like part 100 of
generally circular rod shape extending along the center axis of the
plunger 16; and flattened parts 102 of thin plate form extending to
either side in the width direction of the rod-like part 100. The
flattened parts 102 extend from the back end of the rod-like part
100 towards the distal end direction with a width dimension equal
to that of the pass-through part 98; and starting at the
approximately medial section in the lengthwise direction of the
rod-like part 100, have pointed parts 104 of gradually decreasing
width dimension towards a zone somewhat rearward from the distal
end part of the rod-like part 100. Here, the contours of the
pointed parts 104 in top view conform to the horizontal cross
section of the constricted-diameter part 86 in the nozzle part 76
of the tool body 12.
[0083] A notch 105 is formed in the axial distal end section of the
working part 97. In the present embodiment, the notch 105 opens
upward and to either side in the width direction; its inside
peripheral face at the back end side in the axial direction in top
view extends on the diagonal with respect to the axial direction of
the working part 97 and spreads in the axis-perpendicular direction
of the working part 97, while its inside peripheral face at the
distal end side in the axial direction is defined as an inclined
face that in top view extends in the axis-perpendicular direction
of the working part 97 and inclines upward toward the distal end of
the working part 97.
[0084] Additionally, an upward projecting portion 106 provided as
an upwardly projecting sliding part is formed in the axial medial
section of the working part 97. The upward projecting portion 106
has a width dimension equal to the width dimension of the rod-like
part 100, and at a location somewhat to rear from the axial distal
end section of the rod-like part 100 is provided with a tapered
face 108 as an inclined face that inclines upward towards the rear
and extends over a prescribed dimension in the axial direction. In
the present embodiment in particular, the front edge part of the
tapered face 108 is formed at the same location in the axial
direction as are the front edges of the pointed parts 104, and the
back edge section of the tapered face 108 is positioned at the
axial back edge part of the rod-like part 100.
[0085] From the above it will be appreciated that the plunger 16 in
the present embodiment has gradually increasing cross sectional
area towards the rear in the axial direction, from the axial front
edge parts to the axial back edge parts of the pointed parts 104 in
the flattened parts 102, and from the axial front edge part to the
axial back edge part of the tapered face 108.
[0086] Meanwhile, the pass-through part 98 has an axial dimension
that is slightly larger than the axial dimension of the
through-bore 20. The pass-through part 98 in substantially the
entirety thereof has a generally "H" shaped transverse section
whose width and height dimensions are slightly smaller than the
width and height dimensions of the through-bore 20. A pusher plate
111 that spreads in the axis-perpendicular direction is integrally
formed at the back edge part of the pass-through part 98.
[0087] Additionally, a catch part 112 provided as retaining means
is formed somewhat to the front of the axial medial section of the
pass-through part 98. On the catch part 112 there is formed a hook
part 116 that juts into a through-hole 114 perforating the
pass-through part 98 in the axis-perpendicular direction and
projects upward from the pass-through part 98. With the plunger 16
passed through the main tubular section 18 of the tool body 12, the
hook part 116 of the plunger 16 will come into engagement with a
catch hole 118 perforating the upper face of the main tubular
section 18 in the thickness direction, thereby holding the plunger
16 so that it is positioned relative to the tool body 12 while
passing through it. The locations for forming the hook part 116 and
the catch hole 118 are established such that, in the engaged state,
the distal end part of the working part 97 will project out from
the through-bore 20 of the tool body 12, and the notch 105 will be
positioned so as to support from below the haptic 30 that is
situated on the axial rearward side of the intraocular lens 14
accommodated in the stage 24, discussed later. The catch part 112
and the catch hole 118 may also be formed on the bottom face or
side face of the insertion tool 10, for example.
[0088] In the intraocular lens insertion tool 10 having the above
construction, first, the distal end section of the plunger 16 will
be inserted from the rear into the main tubular section 18 of the
tool body 12, and the hook part 116 will be urged into engagement
with the catch hole 118 to position it at the initial position.
Concomitantly therewith, the support member 56 will be attached to
the tool body 12 from below the resting face 32 as described
earlier. By so doing, the first support part 64 and the second
support part 68 of the support member 56 will be held projecting up
above the resting face 32.
[0089] Then, as depicted in FIG. 14, the main body 26 of the
intraocular lens 14 will be positioned resting on the upper end
faces of the first support parts 64 and the second support parts
68, with the haptics 30, facing in the axial direction of the tool
body 12. In FIG. 14, for ease in understanding, only the relevant
section of the tool body 12, the intraocular lens 14, the first and
second support parts 64, 68 that project above the resting face 32,
and the distal end section of the plunger 16 facing into the stage
24, are shown. In this resting state, the intraocular lens 14 will
be supported with the outside peripheral section of its main body
26 in a state of contact with the first and second support parts
64, 68, and with its center section in a noncontact state with the
first and second support parts 64, 68. In the present embodiment,
the first and second support parts 64, 68 are included in the
constitution of an outside peripheral support part. In this resting
state, the haptic 30 that in the intraocular lens 14 is the one
situated toward the axial back side of the tool body 12 will be
supported by the base face of the notch 105 of the plunger 16.
Further, with the plunger 16 in the initial position, a second
support part 68 that projects from the resting face 32 will be
positioned to the axial front side of the plunger 16 (the left side
in FIG. 14). Thus, the second support part 68 positioned on the
plunger 16 side (the right side in FIG. 14) will constitute a
stopper for inhibiting forward progress of the plunger 16, making
forward progress of the plunger 16 impossible until the second
support parts 68 are retracted from above the resting face 32, as
will be described later.
[0090] Additionally, the peripheral walls 66, 70 formed on the
first support parts 64 and the second support parts 68 will be
positioned outwardly from the main body 26 of the intraocular lens
14. In the present embodiment in particular, the peripheral walls
66 that have been formed on the first support parts 64 will be
positioned to either side of the intraocular lens 14 on a diagonal
axis with respect to the axial direction of the tool body 12, while
the peripheral walls 70 that have been formed on the second support
parts 68 will be positioned to either side of the intraocular lens
14 in the axial direction of the tool body 12. The level of
displacement of the intraocular lens 14 in the axial direction and
axis-perpendicular direction relative to the tool body 12 will be
restricted thereby, and the intraocular lens 14 will be held in
stable fashion. Additionally, in a state of rest on the first and
second support parts 64, 68, the main body 26 of the intraocular
lens 14 will be positioned a prescribed distance away from the
resting face 32, and supported in a noncontact state with respect
to the resting face 32.
[0091] Then, intraocular lens 14 is set accommodated within the
tool body 12 by bending the bending part 40 so that the opening 29
of the stage 24 is covered by the cover part 36. The cover part 36
will be maintained in the closed state through engagement of the
catch piece 50 in the catch notch 54.
[0092] The intraocular lens 14 is accommodated in the insertion
tool 10 is the above manner. The insertion tool 10 according to
this embodiment, with the intraocular lens 14 accommodated therein,
will then be subjected to a sterilization process etc., then
packaged and shipped.
[0093] When the intraocular lens 14 is to be inserted into the eye
using the insertion tool 10 according to the present embodiment,
first, the support member 56 is pulled downward from the tool body
12 to detach it from the tool body 12. By so doing, the first and
second support parts 64, 68 which were supporting the intraocular
lens 14 will be withdrawn downwardly from the resting face 32 and
retract below the resting face 32 so that the intraocular lens 14
now rests directly on the resting face 32. In the present
embodiment, because the resting face 32 is a flat face, the
intraocular lens 14 can be positioned resting stably thereon; and
because the width dimension of the recessed slot 28 is slightly
larger than the diameter dimension of the main body 26 of the
intraocular lens 14, rotation of the intraocular lens 14 in the
circumferential direction on the resting face 32 will be prevented
as well.
[0094] Next, as depicted in FIG. 15, the inclined orifice 94 of the
nozzle part 76 is inserted through a surgical incision 119 made in
the ocular tissue. Here, because the recessed line 96 has been
formed in the nozzle part 76, the recessed line 96 can be used as
an indicator when ascertaining the insertion location, and the
inclined orifice 94 can be positioned at an appropriate insertion
location by inserting the inclined orifice 94 until the recessed
line 96 lines up with the surgical incision 119.
[0095] Then, with the nozzle part 76 inserted through the surgical
incision 119, the pusher plate 111 of the plunger 16 is pushed
towards the tool body 12 side. By so doing, the tip of the plunger
16 will come into contact against the outside peripheral edge of
the main body 26 of the intraocular lens 14 which is resting on the
resting face 32, and the intraocular lens 14 will be guided towards
the basal end orifice 80 by the plunger 16. At this point, the
haptic 30 that is situated towards the plunger 16 side of the
intraocular lens 14 will rest within the notch 105 of the plunger
16 so that the tip of the plunger 16 directly faces the outside
peripheral face of the main body 26 of the intraocular lens 14
along an axis in the lens diametrical direction, thus avoiding
entanglement of the haptic 30 when the main body 26 is contacted by
the plunger 16.
[0096] Moreover, since the haptic 30 has been set within the notch
105 of the plunger 16, the mode of deformation of the haptic 30
will be limited to a certain extent in the course of the main body
26 of the intraocular lens 14 being pushed by the tip of the
plunger 16. It will be possible thereby to prevent problems during
pushing of the intraocular lens 14 with the plunger 16, such as
unanticipated deformation of the haptic 30, adhesion of the haptic
30 to the main body 26, or catching of the haptic 30 inside the
nozzle part 76, as well as deformation or rotation of the
intraocular lens 14.
[0097] In the present embodiment in particular, the notch 105 takes
the form of a single recessed slot extending in the generally
axis-perpendicular direction on the upper face of the plunger 16;
and the slot wall face lying towards the front side in the plunging
direction of the plunger 16 is defined by an inclined face that
flares out towards the orifice side of the recessed groove, whereby
the haptic 30 of the intraocular lens 14 can be easily and reliably
set within the recessed groove, i.e. the notch 105. Also, the slot
wall face lying towards the back side in the plunging direction of
the plunger 16 in the recessed groove, i.e. the notch 105, is
defined by a vertical face that rises up approximately on the
vertical towards the orifice of the slot from the slot base face;
and during the plunging operation of the plunger 16, once the
haptic 30 positioned within the notch 105 has been reliably guided
into the notch 105 by the inclined face at the front side of the
recessed groove (the notch 105), it will thereafter be effectively
prevented from becoming dislodged from the recessed groove (the
notch 105) so as to be stably held within recessed groove (the
notch 105).
[0098] In preferred practice, prior to pushing the intraocular lens
14, an appropriate lubricant will be injected into the stage 24 or
the nozzle part 76 if needed. In the present embodiment in
particular, an injection hole 120 is formed passing through the
cover part 36 in the thickness direction so that lubricant can be
injected through the injection hole 120 with the cover part 36
closed. Alternatively, injection of lubricant could also be
accomplished, for example, by injection through the inclined
orifice 94 of the nozzle part 76; by opening the cover part 36 and
injecting lubricant from the opening 29 of the stage 24; or by
withdrawing the plunger 16 from the tool body 12 and injecting
lubricant from the orifice at the back end of the through-bore
20.
[0099] During plunging of the plunger 16, the amount of
displacement in the left-right direction by the rod-like part 100
of the plunger 16 will be limited by the guide projections 48, 48
formed on the cover part 36 and situated to either side. It will
thus be possible for the plunger 16 to be plunged stably in the
axial direction. Additionally, because the center guide plate part
46 and the left/right guide plate parts 44a, 44b project out
towards the resting face 32, excessive upward displacement of the
intraocular lens 14 will be limited, and it will be possible for
the intraocular lens 14 to be guided smoothly inside the basal end
orifice 80.
[0100] In the present embodiment in particular, the upward
projecting portion 106 is formed projecting up from the plunger 16,
and the tapered face 108 is formed on the upper face of the upward
projecting portion 106. As depicted in model form in FIG. 16, in
the process of plunging the plunger 16, the upward projecting
portion 106 will be disposed in sliding contact against the upper
wall part 35 of the through-bore 20 via its tapered face 108. Since
the tapered face 108 is defined as an inclined face that gradually
juts upward to the rear in the axial direction of the rod-like part
100, as the plunger 16 is pushed ahead, the contact force with the
upper wall part 35 exerted on the upward projecting portion 106 via
its tapered face 108 will increase. Thus, the plunger 16 in the
present embodiment will experience gradually higher operating
resistance as it is pushed deeper into the tool body 12. In the
present embodiment, the resistance graduating mechanism includes
the upper wall part 35 of the tool body 12, and the tapered face
108 of the plunger 16 urged into contact with the upper wall part
35.
[0101] Also, the center guide plate part 46 that has been formed on
the cover part 36 will come into contact with the upper face of the
plunger 16. This acts to push the plunger 16 towards the resting
face 32 so as to inhibit deformation and upward displacement of the
plunger 16 so that it may be guided without appreciable separation
from the resting face 32, making it possible for it to be pushed
smoothly into the basal end orifice 80.
[0102] The intraocular lens 14 which has been guided into the guide
part 84 from the basal end orifice 80 by the plunger 16 will then
be pushed into the constricted-diameter part 86 as the center
section of the main body 26 is induced to jut downward by the guide
projecting parts 90, 90 that have been formed on the base face 82
of the guide part 84, thus bringing about initial deformation of
the lens to a concave shape. Also, displacement and deformation of
the rod-like part 100 of the plunger 16 in the axis-perpendicular
direction will be limited by being held between the guide
projecting parts 90, 90, making it possible for the plunger 16 to
be pushed stably in the axial direction.
[0103] Furthermore, as the tip of the plunger 16 slips into the
constricted-diameter part 86 it will come into contact with the
inclined face 88 that has been formed at the axial back end part of
the constricted-diameter part 86, thereby imparting a restraining
sensation to the surgeon via the plunger 16. It will therefore be
possible for the surgeon to discern that the tip of the plunger 16
has slipped into the constricted-diameter part 86, in other words,
that the intraocular lens 14 has been pushed into the
constricted-diameter part 86, and that the intraocular lens 14 has
now begun to experience bowing deformation.
[0104] Next, as the plunger 16 is pushed along further, the
intraocular lens 14 will be guided through the constricted-diameter
part 86 towards the distal end and will experience bowing
deformation to even smaller size, and will then be guided into the
distal end part 92 of the nozzle part 76. In the present
embodiment, because the recessed line 96 of slot form has been
formed on the inside peripheral wall of the distal end part 92, the
recessed line 96 will now act as an air bleed hole so that the
intraocular lens 14 can be pushed more smoothly. That is, using the
recessed line 96 as a marker, by plunging the plunger 16 to a
location at which the front edge of the intraocular lens 14 reaches
the recessed line 96 inside the nozzle part 76 it will be possible
to rapidly expel any remaining air inside the nozzle part 76.
[0105] Then, by pushing the plunger 16 further, the intraocular
lens 14 will be guided into the inclined orifice 94 of the nozzle
part 76. In this regard, in the present embodiment in particular,
since the inclined orifice 94 has a diagonal orifice shape it will
be possible for the intraocular lens 14 to emerge to the outside of
the insertion tool 10 in small increments with increasing plunging
stroke of the plunger 16. By so doing, the recovery force produced
by the inherent elasticity of the intraocular lens 14 will be
manifested gradually, thus reducing the risk of a sudden release of
recovery force which could cause the intraocular lens 14 to pop
out. At the same time, this decreasing resistance of the
intraocular lens 14 to the pushing force of the plunger 16 due to
gradual emergence of the intraocular lens 14 to the outside while
being guided into the inclined orifice 94 will be accompanied by
increasing operating resistance of the plunger 16 due to gradual
increasing contact force exerted on the upward projecting portion
106 by the plunger 16 as described above, thereby making it
possible to provide the surgeon with a generally unchanging level
of operating resistance. At a minimum, it will suffice for
increasing operating resistance by the resistance graduating
mechanism to be exhibited beginning at the point in time that the
intraocular lens 14 starts to gradually emerge from the inclined
orifice 94; for example, it would be acceptable for the operating
resistance to begin to increase gradually immediately after
initiation of the plunging operation of the plunger 16, as
described in the present embodiment. The intraocular lens 14 will
then be pushed out from the insertion tool 10 through the inclined
orifice 94 and be inserted into the eye.
[0106] In the present embodiment in particular, the plunging
operation is carried out with the haptic 30 that is situated to the
back side of the intraocular lens 14 in the plunging direction of
the plunger 16 positioned inside the notch 105 that has been formed
at the tip of the plunger 16. For this reason, the position at
which the plunger 16 is situated with the notch 105 projecting out
completely from the inclined orifice 94 as depicted in FIG. 17 in
order that the haptic 30 that has been positioned inside the notch
105 may completely disengage is designated as the maximum plunging
position. This maximum plunging position will be limited due to the
distal end face of the pass-through part 98 of the plunger 16
engaging with the upper and lower wall parts 35, 34 of the tool
body 12; in the present embodiment, the stopper mechanism for the
plunger 16 includes these upper and lower wall parts 35, 34. This
stopper mechanism will also prevent the plunger 16 from projecting
out excessively from the inclined orifice 94, thus improving safety
during the insertion operation. As will be appreciated from the
above, in the present embodiment, the plunging zone of the plunger
16 has a range extending from the axial back edge of the resting
face 32 to the inclined orifice 94.
[0107] In the insertion tool 10 having the above construction, the
main body 26 of the intraocular lens 14 is supported at its outside
peripheral section only by the first and second support parts 64,
68 so as to be supported in a state of noncontact above and away
from the resting face 32, thus reducing the risk of damage to the
center section of the main body 26. Displacement of the intraocular
lens 14 will be limited by the peripheral walls 66, 70 provided on
the first and second support parts 64, 68 so that the intraocular
lens 14 can be stably supported and can rest above the resting face
32 with excellent precision of positioning.
[0108] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the catch hooks 72
that hold the support member 56 in a state of attachment to the
tool body 12 and that hold the first and second support parts 64,
68 in a state of projection above the resting face 32 have been
integrally formed with the second support parts 68. It will
therefore be possible for the second support parts 68 to be
disposed in direct engagement with the resting face 32 and for the
first and second support parts 64, 68 to project precisely from
prescribed locations on the resting face 32, and advantageously
held in this projecting state. The locking mechanism for attaching
the support member 56 to the tool body 12 can be produced with
excellent space efficiency, and a restraining sensation can be
imparted when the catch hooks 72 have been successfully projected
up from the resting face 32, so that it can be ascertained that the
support member 56 has been attached correctly.
[0109] When using the insertion tool 10 of the present embodiment,
it is possible for the intraocular lens 14 to be rested on the
resting face 32 by a very simple operation, namely, of detaching
the support member 56 from the tool body 12. In the insertion tool
10 of the present embodiment, since consistent precision of
positioning is afforded by the first and second support parts 64,
68 as mentioned previously, despite the simplicity of the operation
it will be possible for the intraocular lens 14 to be rested on the
resting face 32 with excellent positioning accuracy. Further,
because the intraocular lens 14 is rested with the opening 29 of
the stage 24 maintained covered by the cover part 36, the
intraocular lens 14 can be prevented from falling out from the
insertion tool 10. A hygienic advantage is provided as well, due to
reduced likelihood of contact of the intraocular lens 14 with the
outside environment.
[0110] Additionally, in the insertion tool 10 of the present
embodiment, the inclined orifice 94 is defined as an inclined
orifice that opens on the diagonal with respect to the center axis
of the nozzle part 76. Thus, the ejecting action produced by the
elasticity of the intraocular lens 14 will be manifested in gradual
increments, thus reducing the risk of that the intraocular lens 14
will suddenly pop out from the inclined orifice 94.
[0111] Also, in the present embodiment, the resistance graduating
mechanism for gradually increasing the contact force of the plunger
16 exerted on the upward projecting portion 106 includes the upper
wall part 35 of the tool body 12, and the tapered face 108 of the
plunger 16 that is disposed in contact against the upper wall part
35; and is designed so that operating resistance of the plunger 16
will increase as the plunger 16 is plunged forward. It will be
possible thereby to avoid a situation in which accelerating
ejection action is exerted on the intraocular lens 14 before the
surgeon realizes it; and to push the intraocular lens 14 along at
generally constant speed through the entire plunging process.
[0112] Specifically, due to the diagonal shape of the inclined
orifice 94, the intraocular lens 14 that has been guided into the
inclined orifice 94 will emerge to the outside gradually, and the
ejecting action produced by the elasticity of the lens per se will
increase gradually. In other words, the resistance of intraocular
lens 14 to the pushing force of the plunger 16 will gradually
decrease when the intraocular lens 14 is guided into the inclined
orifice 94. Notwithstanding, if the surgeon operates the plunger 16
at a constant level of force, there is a risk that accelerating
ejection action will be exerted on the intraocular lens 14, causing
the intraocular lens 14 to pop out. Accordingly, in the present
embodiment, due to the resistance graduating mechanism, it will be
possible for the operating resistance of the plunger 16 to increase
gradually as the intraocular lens 14 gradually emerges from the
inclined orifice 94. Thus, through a combination of gradually
decreasing resistance to the pushing force of the plunger 16 due to
the inclined orifice 94, and gradually increasing operating
resistance of the plunger 16 due to the resistance graduating
mechanism, it will be possible for the first time to impart
generally constant operating resistance to the plunger 16, making
it possible for the surgeon to carry out the lens ocular insertion
procedure in the intended fashion at generally unchanging
speed.
[0113] Additionally, in the insertion tool 10 constructed in
accordance with the present embodiment, the resistance graduating
mechanism has a simple construction composed of the upper wall part
35 of the tool body 12 and the tapered face 108 of the plunger 16,
whereby the weight of the insertion tool 10 can be reduced, and the
ease of handling and control of the insertion tool 10 can be
improved.
[0114] While the invention has been described detail herein in
terms of a single preferred embodiment, this embodiment is merely
exemplary, and the specific disclosure herein should not be
construed as limiting in any way.
[0115] For example, the specific structure of the resistance
graduating mechanism for gradually increasing the operating
resistance of the plunger member is not limited to the one
described in the preceding first embodiment. FIGS. 18 and 19 depict
a plunger 130 provided as the plunger member in a second embodiment
of the present invention. In the present embodiment, only the shape
of the plunger member differs from that in the first embodiment,
and accordingly only the plunger 130 is shown. In the following
description, elements that are substantially identical to those in
the preceding first embodiment are assigned like symbols in the
drawings, with no description provided.
[0116] The plunger 130 has a tapered face of different length
dimension in the axial direction than the tapered face 108 of the
plunger 16 of the preceding first embodiment. Specifically, the
tapered face 132 that is formed projecting from the upper face of
the rod-like part 100 of the plunger 130 is defined with its axial
front edge part situated slightly rearward from the rear edge part
of the pointed parts 104 of the flattened parts 102, and its axial
rear edge part situated slightly rearward from its axial front edge
part. By so doing, the tapered face 132 of the plunger 130 will
have axial length dimension that is sufficiently smaller in
comparison with the tapered face 108 of the plunger 16 of the first
embodiment, and will be imparted with a steeper angle of incline. A
flat part 134 that extends in the axial direction with unchanging
height dimension is formed at the rear edge part of the working
part 97 from the rear edge part of the tapered face 132. By so
doing, the plunger 130 in the present embodiment will have
gradually increasing cross section towards the rear in the axial
direction from the axial front edge part to the axial rear edge
part of the pointed parts 104 in the flattened parts 102, and from
the axial front edge part to the axial rear edge part of the
tapered face 132.
[0117] The plunger 130 of this structure will be inserted into a
tool body 12 of a structure similar to that of the first embodiment
described previously. As depicted in model form in FIG. 20, when
the plunger 130 of the present embodiment is pushed in, the distal
end part of the base face 133 of the rod-like part 100 will first
undergo upward displacement in sliding contact against the guide
projecting parts 90. As the plunger 130 is pushed in further, the
upward projecting portion 106 of the plunger 130, via its tapered
face 132, will become positioned in sliding contact against the
upper wall part 35 that has been formed on the front end face of
the through-bore 20 of the tool body 12 and the plunger 130 will be
displaced downwardly by the upper wall part 35. The base face 133
and the upward projecting portion 106 will thereby be restrained by
the guide projecting parts 90 and the upper wall part 35, and
between the guide projecting parts 90 and the upper wall part 35,
the plunger 130 as a whole will experience elastic deformation in
an upwardly concave deflected condition. In the present embodiment,
the upward projecting portion 106 and the base face 133 of the
rod-like part 100 of the plunger 130 constitute the sliding parts,
and the guide projecting parts 90 and the upper wall part 35 that
are disposed in contact with them constitute the contact parts. A
deflection zone 135 forms between the guide projecting parts 90 and
the upper wall part 35.
[0118] Here, the pointed parts 104 give the plunger 130 increasing
width dimension moving towards the back, while the tapered face 132
gives it increasing height dimension moving towards the back. A
cross section variation portion that includes the pointed parts 104
and the tapered face 132 is thereby formed in the medial section in
the axial direction of the plunger 130; as the plunger 130 is
pushed in, the large-cross sectional area section of the plunger
130 which is positioned within the deflection zone 135 will become
longer. As a result, deflection reaction force will increase, the
level of vertical reaction force acting as deflection reaction
force on the guide projecting parts 90 and the upper wall part 35
will gradually vary, and hence frictional resistance of the base
face 133 and the upward projecting portion 106 with respect to the
guide projecting parts 90 and the upper wall part 35 will increase
gradually in association therewith. Thus, the operating resistance
of the plunger 130 will increase gradually. Thus, in the present
embodiment, the resistance graduating mechanism includes the guide
projecting parts 90 and the upper wall part 35 as the contact
parts; the deflection zone 135; and the pointed parts 104 and
tapered face 132 that constitute the cross section variation
portion of the plunger 130.
[0119] While the tapered faces 108, 130 formed on the plungers 16,
130 in the preceding first and second embodiments each have
constant slope angle, it would be acceptable for example for the
slope angles of these tapered faces 108, 130 to vary in the axial
direction of the plungers 16, 130. By so doing, the contact force
exerted onto the upward projecting portion 106 via the tapered face
108, 130 can be adjusted to a higher degree, and the operating
resistance of the plunger 16, 130 can be adjusted to a higher
degree.
[0120] Further, it would also be possible to provide the tool body
12 with an inclined face adapted for sliding contact against the
sliding part of the plunger member. For example, rather than the
tapered face 108, a vertical face could be formed on the axial
front end face of the upward projecting portion 106 as the sliding
part of the plunger 16 as in the preceding first embodiment; and an
inclined face that gradually approaches the upward projecting
portion 106 towards the front in the axial direction could be
formed on the lower end face of the upper wall part 35 by way of
the sliding part formed on the tool body 12, in order to constitute
the resistance graduating mechanism.
[0121] It is not essential for the locking mechanism that fastens
the support member 56 to the tool body 12 to be formed on the
second support parts 68, as were the catch hooks 72 formed on the
second support parts 68 described earlier. In place of the catch
hooks 72, it would be possible for example to give the first
support parts 64 and the second support parts 68 contours with
gradually increasing dimension in top view towards the leg plate
part 62 side, and by forcing these first support parts 64 and the
second support parts 68 into the through-holes 74 formed the
resting face 32, to fasten the support member 56 to the back side
of the resting face 32 through the recovery force of the
through-holes 74 and frictional force between the members; or to
fasten the side wall parts 58 of the support member 56 by clasping
them between the downward projecting walls 37 (see FIG. 5) that
project downward from the widthwise edges of the resting face
32.
[0122] The intraocular lens insertion tool of the present invention
is not limited to being provided with the intraocular lens housed
therein beforehand as described in the preceding embodiments, and
may be provided separately from the intraocular lens, with the
intraocular lens be set in the tool at the time of surgery.
[0123] Furthermore, while the intraocular lens 14 accommodated in
the insertion tool 10 has a main body 26 and haptics 30 that are
formed as separate elements, it would of course be possible for the
main body 26 and the haptics 30 to be integrally formed by the same
component.
* * * * *